Milk thistle
Silybum marianum
also known as Mary thistle, Holy thistle, St. Mary's thistle
A spiky thistle whose seeds yield a family of compounds that support liver cell membranes. It is used as a supportive treatment in serious cases of death cap mushroom poisoning, especially in Europe.
- Supports the integrity of liver cell membranes
- Supports the liver's production of glutathione, the body's master antioxidant
- Used as a supportive add-on in chronic liver conditions
- Antioxidant activity that helps protect liver cells
- Studied for fatty liver disease, with promising but mixed results
- Approved by Germany's Commission E for liver support
Active in Silymarin (silybin, silydianin, silychristin), Flavonolignans.
Possible cross-reactivity with ragweed and other daisy-family allergies
May lower blood sugar — caution with diabetes medication
Mild estrogen-like effect — caution in hormone-sensitive conditions
Skip during pregnancy and nursing
You might also explore